We love a good afternoon tea, so when we heard that community bookshop and cafe House of Books & Friends had come up with their very own and it would be making a return, things got pretty exciting. The House of Books & Friends limited series of afternoon tea dates span from April to June this year, and the offering comes in its very own novelty presentation.
Returning from April 13, the series allows you, your friends and family to experience a classic afternoon tea in a grade II listed building in the heart of Manchester city centre. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience a cultural afternoon in the same building where former Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill and William Gladstone once sat.
Starting at £30 per adult, or £15 per child, you can expect a variety of finger sandwiches and jam and cream-filled scones to make an appearance, with the opportunity to upgrade your tea to prosecco for an extra £5. For those with any dietary requirements, there are also vegan and gluten free alternatives, plus a special menu just for younger visitors.
The afternoon tea comes in House of Books & Friends style, with each course (or chapter) coming served in different sized book shells. Chapter one sets the scene with gorgeous homemade scones and a variety of fillings, chapter two requires a sweet tooth with cakes, brownies and fresh fruit, and chapter three offers light but flavoursome finger sandwiches, all washed down with your choice of tea, coffee or even Prosecco.
House of Books and Friends literary afternoon tea dates and times
The afternoon tea is available at either 12pm-1.30pm or 3pm-4.30pm on the following dates. However, the event is currently SOLD OUT but keep an eye on their Instagram for any cancellations.
Sunday 13th April
Sunday 20th April
Friday 25th April
Sunday 11th May
Sunday 18th May
Sunday 8th June
Sunday 15th June
Sunday 22nd June
Additionally, and unique to this location, by indulging in afternoon tea here, you’re directly supporting your community: House of Books & Friends was created to combat loneliness and isolation in the local area.
According to Campaign to End Loneliness, 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely in England, which is around twenty five million people. All profits are invested back into House of Books & Friends to support activity dedicated to reducing isolation and loneliness in the community.
Laura Jones, Director of the gunnercooke foundation, commented: “The success of the House of Books & Friends since its establishment in 2022 has been extremely heartwarming to witness, with the initiative really having a positive impact on the community. We hope our limited series of afternoon tea events will bring regular and new faces to the shop, helping to spread our message of connection and prevent more people from feeling like they’re on their own.”
Given the popularity of the afternoon tea, House of Books & Friends advise booking as soon as possible by calling 07597365380. The event is currently sold out but you can still visit the shop and grab a cuppa and sweet treat from the cafe!
The bookshop and cafe is also wheelchair accessible – simply call their phone number on arrival and you’ll be met with a ramp in order to access the venue.
📍 House of Books & Friends, Ground Floor, 81 King St, Manchester M2 4AH.